West Virginia

West Virginia, nestled in the Appalachian region of the United States, captivates with its diverse landscapes, from rolling hills to rugged mountains. This webpage centers on free camping opportunities within the Mongonghella and George Washington National Forests, inviting adventurers to embrace the state’s natural wonders. With a focus on hiking, biking, kayaking, and more, West Virginia offers a spectrum of outdoor activities. The majestic forests and pristine waterways of the national forests provide an idyllic backdrop for camping and exploration. From traversing scenic trails to embarking on cycling escapades, the state caters to various interests. West Virginia’s tranquil lakes and rivers beckon kayakers and water enthusiasts, ensuring unforgettable experiences. Amidst the Appalachian splendor, West Virginia stands as an outdoor haven where nature’s beauty and recreational pursuits harmonize to offer an enriching and memorable adventure.

https://www.wikiwand.com/en/West_Virginia

Absolutely beautiful evening

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West Virginia in absolutely beautiful tonight. The campsite I am in is the one I got two years ago, surrounded by dense mountain laurel (so thick no light passes through) on three sides, which is over ten feet tall it not higher. The stars are above and the white pines that tower over the sods is outlined by the moonlight that makes it possible to see the road and the land without a flashlight.

West Virginia in Half a Week!

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My big West Virginia trip is only a half a week off. I am looking forward to driving down Interstate 99 through the heartland of Pennsylvania and then camping up in the Mountain Laurel of Cannan Heights in West Virginia, hiking and camping in Dolly Sods, spending some time in Sweedlin Valley, driving up Spruce Mountain (the highest point in the Mountain State) and maybe visiting the New River Gorge. Much to look forward to in the coming weeks.

Fort Seybert

Colors Off Spruce Mountain

Blackwater Falls

Campgrounds In Monongehella, George Washington and Jefferson National Forests

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This interactive map shows all of the developed campgrounds in the Monongahela National Forest along with the George Washington and Jefferson National Forests in West Virgina and Virgina in the Allegheny Mountains.

Data Source - Forest Service Recreational Opporunities Database. http://data.fs.usda.gov/geodata/edw/datasets.php?xmlKeyword=Recreation+Opportunities

What to see and do in West Virginia

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I was thinking 💭 about some of the things I want to see and at my autumn West Virginia trip:

  • Probably once again drive down to Towanda Penna for the first and last night of the trip. There is a small Forestry Department rustic campground 🌲 that’s ten dollars a night and it will be largely empty this time of year.
  • From there I will head down to West Virginia via a combination of Interstate 99 and local roads when I get bored with the expressway 🚙 and want to see the country, the mountains and the farms, 🚜 hop on the blue highways.
  • In West Virginia I’ll spend a couple of nights in the Cannan Heights Camping ⛺. I want to visit the Cannan Wildlife Refuge and so some birding 🐦 and also Blackwater Falls.
  • I want to drive up Spruce Mountain 🗻 the highest peak in West Virginia and maybe camp at those rustic sites outside of Job.
  • I want to spend at least two night or maybe roadside camping outside of Dolly Sods 🚶 and get a day hiking in at Dolly Sods.
  • I want to visit the New River Gorge and drive both over the bridge and do the Gorge Road. 🌉
  • I want to visit the Mount Storm Coal Plant 🏭 and dip my feet into the always warm from thermal pollution Mount Storm Reservoir and drive part of Cooridor H.
  • I want to spend some time, maybe two nights at Camp Run Campground, ⛺ located in a wash of Shenandoah Mountain and poke some more around the Sweedlin Valley.

Corn In The Sweedlin Valley

This year I have very little interest in dwelling in Pennsylvania or visiting Virginia. I want to be places away from the crowds and the tourists 👪 where I can enjoy the wilderness without the crowds. Maybe one night when I visit the New River Gorge I’ll have to stay in a developed campground but the rest will be pretty close to wildness camping.